“It would be the same if it was at Tannadice because we know the stadium and the pitch. They have an advantage regardless of the ticket allocation but a 50-50 split would certainly give us a better chance.

“I’d like to think we could take half. We’ve had good backing from the fans. It’s a neutral venue so I don’t see why we shouldn’t get half.

“I just think that, like most people, I’m surprised the decision for the semi-final venue was made so early.

“Had it been Celtic who got to the semi-final what would they have done? Kept it at Ibrox and split the allocation?

“Could they have changed our semi to Parkhead? Possibly but we knew the situation before the draw and have enough time to prepare.

“We’ll wait and see what the allocation is now that we know who we’re playing. Whatever the decision we won’t use it to motivate the players as if it’s some type of injustice.

“The chance to play Rangers at Ibrox to get into a final is motivation enough. The venue might give Rangers an advantage but it doesn’t change anything for the players or myself.”

The Old Firm have met in semi-finals at both Ibrox and Parkhead – and on those occasions there was a 50-50 split.

In the 1993-94 League Cup, a toss of a coin by assistant managers Archie Knox and Joe Jordan saw Ibrox land the tie and Mark Hateley scored the only goal to win it for Rangers.

Gers then won 2-1 at Parkhead in the 1998 Scottish Cup thanks to goals from Ally McCoist and Jorg Albertz.

Meanwhile, McNamara is set for his own meeting with the SFA just two days before the semi-final after being cited for his spat with St Johnstone gaffer Tommy Wright.

The pair were sent to the stand as Saints won at Tannadice last week and McNamara said: “There was frustration on the night but I spoke to Tommy in my office and there were no problems.

“Tommy’s a nice guy. I get on great with him.”

McNamara has urged striker Nadir Ciftci to stop getting on the wrong side of officials.

The Turk hit the winning goal as United came from 2-0 down to beat St Mirren on Saturday but was booked for going to the fans.

Ciftci was cautioned for the same offence in the Scottish Cup win over Inverness and McNamara said: “He’s got to stop it.